banda elástica
/banda elastika/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'rubber band' is translated into Spanish as banda elástica.
The term refers to a small loop of stretchy rubber used to hold objects together.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of banda (band or strip) and elástica (elastic).
Which one should you use?
The plural form is bandas elásticas, where both the noun and the adjective are pluralized.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and several other Latin American countries, the word liga is commonly used instead of banda elástica.
Did you know?
- While banda elástica is formal, in many Spanish-speaking countries people use liga, which also means 'league' as in a sports league.
- The word banda used in banda elástica shares its origins with the French word bande, which originally meant a 'ribbon'.
- The Spanish banda can refer to a musical group, a sash worn across the chest, or an elastic band, depending entirely on context.
Examples in context
- Necesito una banda de goma para agrupar estos papelesI need a rubber band to bundle these papers
- No encuentro mi goma elástica, ¿la has visto?I can't find my rubber band, have you seen it?
- Podrías atar estos billetes con una gomitaCould you tie these notes with a rubber band?
- Necesito una banda elástica para este paquete.I need a rubber band for this package.
- Usa una banda elástica para sujetar los lápices.Use a rubber band to hold the pencils together.
- La banda elástica se rompió muy rápido.The rubber band broke very quickly.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are organizing office supplies in a room.
- Daniel¿Tienes una banda elástica para estos documentos, María?Do you have a rubber band for these documents, María?
- MaríaSí, la tengo aquí en el cajón.Yes, I have it here in the drawer.
- DanielGracias, me ayuda mucho a mantener el orden.Thanks, it helps me a lot to keep things organized.
- MaríaDe nada, Daniel, siempre es bueno estar preparado.You're welcome, Daniel, it is always good to be prepared.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
